Seahawks To Bring Back DT Jarran Reed
Big on reunions with pass rushers in recent years, the Seahawks are planning to greenlight another comeback. They intend to bring back Jarran Reed, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter).
Reed, who left Seattle under unusual circumstances related to his contract two years ago, intends to rejoin the team on a two-year deal. This comes just after the Seahawks notified Quinton Jefferson, whom they brought back in 2022, he will be a cap casualty. Reed is re-signing with the Seahawks on a deal that can max out at $10.8MM, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The base value will check in lower for a player the Seahawks once extended on a two-year, $23MM deal.
A refusal to restructure his deal in 2021 led Reed to Kansas City, and he played last season in Green Bay. The Seahawks wanted to retain Reed two years ago, but the young D-tackle sought a second extension. The sides could not agree on a resolution, leading to Reed becoming an unexpected free agent. The former Seattle second-round pick will attempt to pick up where he left off with the NFC West team, which reached reunion agreements with Jefferson and Bruce Irvin last year.
Reed has remained a starter-caliber interior pass rusher in his seasons outside of Seattle, totaling 26 QB hits from 2021-22. However, his best work has come with the Seahawks. Reed, 30, registered six sacks during his 2020 Seattle 1.0 finale and earned his initial extension after totaling 10.5 in 2018.
The Seahawks are swapping out Jefferson and Shelby Harris for Reed and Dre’Mont Jones. The latter will cost $17MM per year, so Reed is joining the Jones- and Uchenna Nwosu-led pass rush as a supplemental piece. Poona Ford remains unsigned, but the Seahawks still have Al Woods and Bryan Mone under contract.
Cowboys To Re-Sign Leighton Vander Esch
The Cowboys have brought back Donovan Wilson and agreed to acquire Stephon Gilmore from the Colts. They have not forgotten about Leighton Vander Esch, it appears.
Dallas is close to re-signing the former first-round pick, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports a deal is expected. Vander Esch and the Cowboys are on the verge of completing a two-year, $11MM agreement, Rapoport adds (Twitter link). The first year will be guaranteed, Jane Slater of ESPN.com tweets.
This marks one of a few off-ball linebacker deals to commence Tuesday. While Dallas has been connected to Bobby Wagner for a second straight offseason, the team liked what it saw from Vander Esch in 2022. This contract matches the deal the Dolphins gave David Long on Monday. Wagner is unlikely to be in the picture any longer, per Slater, now that Vander Esch has agreed to terms (Twitter link).
The Steelers and Texans also pursued Vander Esch, Slater adds (on Twitter). But the Cowboys are bringing back the former Pro Bowler for a sixth season. They will give him a raise to return; the Boise State product signed for just $2MM in 2022.
Although Vander Esch has not matched his rookie-year form, as injuries intervened early in his career, he is still just 27 and should have some prime seasons remaining. Pro Football Focus viewed Vander Esch as a top-12 coverage linebacker last season. The 749 defensive snaps LVE logged were the most since his standout rookie season. He reached that total despite missing three games. Vander Esch totaled 90 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble during his 14-game run, and he added two pass deflections in Dallas’ blowout playoff win in Tampa.
The Buccaneers performance may well have helped Vander Esch secure this contract, as he came back after a shoulder injury sidelined him for the final three regular-season games. Concerns about Vander Esch’s past with neck injuries resurfaced, but this Cowboys agreement shows the team remains confident in his availability going forward.
The Cowboys have used Micah Parsons more as an edge rusher, leaving more snaps available at linebacker. The team also rosters Damone Clark and Jabril Cox but lost Luke Gifford to the Titans on Tuesday. Anthony Barr is also a free agent, after having signed a one-year deal last summer.
Cardinals To Sign LB Kyzir White
Another Eagles defender is out the door. Linebacker Kyzir White is signing with the Cardinals, reports Jordan Schultz of The Score (via Twitter).
White is inking a two-year deal that can max out at $11MM, per Schultz. The linebacker played last season on a one-year, $5MM deal, and he parlayed his strong performance into a multiyear contract.
White, a former fourth-round pick, took on a larger role during each of his four seasons with the Chargers. This culminated in a breakout 2021 campaign where he finished with 144 tackles, two interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. Despite the strong numbers, he had to settle for a one-year deal with Philly last offseason, and he ended up emerging as a key piece on the Eagles defense.
The linebacker started eight of his 17 games, finishing with 110 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He added another 11 stops in three postseason appearances. Pro Football Focus ended up ranking the 26-year-old 33rd among 81 qualifying linebackers. Today’s move will reunite White with new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was Philly’s defensive coordinator last season.
With both White and T.J. Edwards gone, the Eagles will be searching for two new starting LBs next season. Javon Hargrave and Marcus Epps have also left in free agency and opened holes on Philly’s defense.
Panthers Expected To Sign Andy Dalton
The Saints have moved on to Derek Carr, and although Jameis Winston is staying in New Orleans, the team’s primary 2022 starter will not. The Panthers are bringing in Andy Dalton.
Dalton will sign with the Panthers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who notes (on Twitter) the agreement is for two years and $10MM. The 13th-year passer will receive $8MM fully guaranteed on a deal that can max out at $17MM.
On a crowded market for stopgap- and backup-type QBs, Dalton fared better than he did last year. The Saints gave him a one-year, $3.5MM deal and turned their eyes to Carr this offseason. It appears Carolina is preparing a quarterback plan that includes Dalton as the bridge passer and its No. 1 overall pick — whomever that may be — as the project. While that leaves an uncertain runway for the veteran, Dalton’s fully guaranteed money should reveal some faith he may once again earn a Week 1 starting gig.
Dalton, 35, has been a Week 1 starter in 10 of his prior 12 NFL seasons. The one-time Carson Palmer heir apparent, amid the latter’s trade demand/retirement, started nine straight opening days with the Bengals and opened the 2021 campaign as the Bears’ first-stringer. Dalton did not emerge for the Cowboys until Dak Prescott‘s ankle injury midway through the 2020 season, and Winston started for the Saints last September. But Dalton quickly replaced Winston and did not give up the job, starting 14 games in 2022.
QBR placed Dalton 21st last season, though Pro Football Focus slotted the unlikely 14-game starter seventh overall at the position. The Red Rifle completed a career-high 66.7% of his passes — at 7.6 yards per attempt, the TCU product’s highest average since 2015 — for a Saints team that again saw Michael Thomas fade quickly from its aerial equation. Dalton still helped Chris Olave to a solid rookie season, but injuries often left him with little to work with outside Olave and emerging tight end Juwan Johnson.
The Panthers traded up from No. 9 to No. 1, parting with D.J. Moore in order to solve their years-long QB issue. While they now have a need at receiver, their quarterback plan is coming into focus. Carolina has trotted out a few veteran retreads — from Teddy Bridgewater to Sam Darnold to Baker Mayfield — since Cam Newton‘s injuries piled up ahead of his 2020 release. With Dalton set up as a stopgap, the team looks to have a clearer vision to start Reich’s tenure. Though, identifying which quarterback to draft will be rather important next month.
Colts To Release QB Matt Ryan
Shortly after making an unanticipated move, the Colts will follow through with a long-expected item on their offseason to-do list. They are cutting Matt Ryan, Zach Klein of WSB reports (on Twitter).
[RELATED: Colts To Trade Stephon Gilmore To Cowboys]
The Ryan release will create $17.2MM in Colts cap savings. Between this and the Stephon Gilmore trade, Indianapolis has freed up more than $27MM in cap space Tuesday afternoon. While GM Chris Ballard said last year the plan was for Ryan to start multiple seasons, the passer’s 2022 performance leaves his career at a crossroads.
That 2022 performance had more lowlights than highlights, with Ryan finding himself in and out of the starting lineup. When all was said and done, the Colts went 4-7-1 in Ryan’s 12 starts, with the 37-year-old tossing a career-low 14 touchdowns vs. 13 interceptions. The Colts only gave up a third-round pick to acquire the former MVP from the Falcons, but the team was still expecting more from the position.
After getting underwhelming results from veterans like Ryan and Carson Wentz in recent years, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Colts look towards the future. Veteran Nick Foles and former sixth rounder Sam Ehlinger are still on the roster, but it’s unlikely that either QB will be given a long look in 2023.
As for Ryan, the QB will have a difficult time finding a starting gig as a free agent. There were some signs of life in 2022; Ryan’s 67% completion percentage was still on-par with his prime. However, his interception percentage and QBR were among the worst of his career, and with no upside, potential suitors would surely just be eyeing Ryan as a backup and/or mentor. There’s a chance Ryan could also decide to hang up his cleats after playing 15 years in the NFL.
It’s uncertain what’s next for the quarterback, but he’s still entitled to a chunk of money. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), Ryan’s agent negotiated a new contract as part of his trade to Indianapolis. Thanks to that move, Ryan is entitled to $12MM in guaranteed money for the 2023 campaign, and he’ll receive that money regardless of whether he continues playing or not.
Eagles Agree To Terms With James Bradberry
The Eagles have, as expected, seen a number of departures on defense so far in free agency. They have managed to retain a major part of their secondary, however. Cornerback James Bradberry is re-signing on a three-year, $38MM deal (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). $20MM is guaranteed, and incentives can push the maximum value to $44MM. 
The 29-year-old found himself on the open market last offseason when he was released by the Giants as part of their several cost-cutting moves. That immediately made him a key target for teams looking to add to their secondary, including an Eagles team which added a number of high-quality veterans. His one-year deal signed with Philadelphia proved to be a highly effective one.
Bradberry started all 20 games this season for the Eagles, and played a key role in their success on defense. He notched three interceptions and 17 pass breakups, adding strong coverage numbers as well. The former second-rounder allowed an opposing passer rating of just 51.6, the best such figure of his career. That made him one of the top options on the open market at his position.
It comes as little surprise that the Eagles – who were upfront about their understanding that numerous starters on defense were likely to head elsewhere – have prioritized a multi-year accord with Bradberry. His play throughout the season provided the NFC champions with one of the league’s best corner tandems alongside Darius Slay. The latter is under contract for one more year at a cap figure of over $26MM, so it will be interesting to see if this Bradberry investment will necessitate some financial maneuvering with Slay.
Bradberry did confirm he received better offers from other teams, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson (on Twitter), he said the Eagles entered his price range. The seven-year veteran prioritized his fit in Philly compared to starting over somewhere else, even though he has started fresh three times since being a Panthers second-round pick.
After earning $7.25MM in 2022 on his first Eagles pact, Bradberry has managed to secure a contract nearly identical to the three-year, $45MM one he landed with the Giants in 2020. By earning second-team All-Pro honors last season, the Samford product proved he can still be among the top cover men in the league, and his performances (at least up until the dying moments of the Super Bowl) has given the Eagles an important degree of continuity.
Philadelphia ranked N0. 1 in the league in passing defense in 2022, allowing an average of less than 180 yards per game. They also notched 17 interceptions, which placed them fourth in the NFL. Bradberry’s contributions to those totals has obviously been recognized, and his retention will at least soften the blow of the departures which have already reportedly taken place on defense and those which are likely to follow.
Eagles To Re-Sign RB Boston Scott
The Eagles have been busy today in terms of deals concerning their backfield, and one involving an incumbent has been agreed to. Philadelphia is set to re-sign running back Boston Scott, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). The contract is one year in length, and has a value of roughly $2MM, Pelissero adds.
[RELATED: Eagles Agree To Terms With RB Rashaad Penny]
Besides a brief stint with the Saints, Scott has spent his entire five-year career with the Eagles. He’s been a valuable reserve/spot starter for the Eagles, collecting 17 total touchdowns over the past four seasons. He’s been especially productive against the Giants, collecting 11 touchdowns and 668 yards from scrimmage.
Scott’s numbers were down a bit in 2022 following three-straight years of contributing at least 400 yards from scrimmage. He ultimately finished the 2022 campaign with 232 yards from scrimmage and a pair of touchdowns before adding another 70 yards and two scores in three postseason games.
Earlier today, the Eagles agreed to terms on a deal with running back Rashaad Penny. The NFC champions enjoyed a career year from Miles Sanders in 2022 as the focal point of their elite rushing attack, but with the starter poised to be the best available FA option at the position, the Eagles likely determined that he priced himself out of Philly.
Broncos To Sign RB Samaje Perine
Seeking Javonte Williams insurance, the Broncos are looking to another team’s backup. Former Bengals running back Samaje Perine is signing a two-year Denver deal, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
The Broncos are giving the former Joe Mixon backup a two-year, $7.5MM deal that includes an additional $1MM in incentives. Perine will join his fourth NFL team and an offense in transition. With Williams recovering from ACL surgery, an opportunity at a bigger role may exist in Denver.
Backing up Mixon both in Cincinnati and at Oklahoma, Perine effectively filled in for the starter last season. The 240-pound back scored four touchdowns in a two-game starter span last year, helping the Bengals to wins over the Steelers and Chiefs. He totaled 21 carries for 106 yards and a score over the eventual Super Bowl champions.
This pickup is also interesting due to the number of young starters available for the Broncos. While the Dolphins brought back both Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson and the Eagles inked Rashaad Penny, the rest of the starters who were not franchise-tagged remain on the market. Kareem Hunt, Miles Sanders, Devin Singletary, Jamaal Williams, D’Onta Foreman, Damien Harris and David Montgomery are available. It does not appear each will command starter-level money, with a supply-and-demand issue favoring teams, so the Broncos diving in early on Perine either points to some conviction from team brass or an intent not to devote much money to the Williams insurance slot.
That said, Perine only has 401 career carries on his odometer. Although he is headed into an age-28 season, the light workload should benefit him. And the Broncos did operate aggressively on Day 1 of the legal tampering period, giving big deals to Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers and Zach Allen. Sean Payton favorite Latavius Murray might also be on the docket; 9News’ Mike Klis confirms Murray is still a possibility (Twitter link). The Broncos may still be on the lookout for a back with more pass-catching upside, though Perine did finish with a career-high 38 receptions for 287 yards last season.
Williams suffered a torn ACL in Week 4 of season, and it is not certain he will be back to start next season. Perine, then, moves into position to start in that case. Barring an agreement with one of the other UFA backs, the Broncos should be considered likely to add to their running back room during the middle rounds of the draft.
Steelers, DT Larry Ogunjobi Agree To Terms
The Steelers are extending their time with Larry Ogunjobi in the middle of their defensive front. The veteran defensive tackle is set to re-sign in Pittsburgh on a three-year, $28.75MM deal (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). 
Schefter adds that the contract includes $21.75MM in compensation over its first two years. That makes this pact a lengthier, more lucrative one than the one-year accord Ogunjobi played on in 2022. The latter contract came after a agreement which would have sent him to Chicago fell through due to an issue with his physical.
Ogunjobi, 28, was able to quickly circle back into the AFC North with his Pittsburgh deal after that. His Steelers debut came after four years spent with the Browns, and one with the Bengals. He arrived in the Steel City with significant expectations, given his production as a pass rusher in particular during his time in Ohio. The former third-rounder was also thought to have a clear path to playing time with Stephon Tuitt having retired.
Ogunjobi did indeed start all 16 games he played in last season, logging a healthy snap share of 63%. He notched 48 tackles in that span, a figure on par with his totals from each of the past four campaigns. After recording a career-high seven sacks as a Bengal in 2021, however, his total in that department dropped to just 1.5, the lowest such figure since his rookie season.
As a whole, the Steelers struggled to generate as much pressure with their defensive front as they have in recent years. Missed time from edge rusher T.J. Watt played a major role in that, of course, but the team will still be looking for an uptick in production from Ogunjobi moving forward. His effectiveness as a run-stopper will, in any event, give him a high floor as a player for the short-term future, as the Steelers continue to invest considerably in their defensive line.
Colts To Trade Stephon Gilmore To Cowboys
The Cowboys plan to pick up the second year of Stephon Gilmore‘s Colts-constructed contract. Indianapolis has agreed on a trade that will send the former Defensive Player of the Year to Dallas, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
In exchange, the Colts will receive a fifth-round Cowboys compensatory pick in this year’s draft. Gilmore is going into his age-33 season, but he played well in 2022. He will pair with Trevon Diggs in Dallas, which lost multiple cornerback regulars last season.
While Gilmore went through two rocky years following his dominant 2019 campaign, he bounced back with the Colts. Despite Indy’s chaotic season, Gilmore again proved to be a reliable defender. Pro Football Focus ranked the 6-foot-1 defender ninth among corners, and he allowed a 56.2% completion rate and 74.0 passer rating as the closest defender — both his best marks since that 2019 DPOY performance.
This will give the Cowboys a veteran boundary complement to Diggs, who lacked reliable presences opposite the risk-taking All-Pro to close last season. Both Anthony Brown and Jourdan Lewis suffered season-ending injuries, limiting the Cowboys’ upper-echelon defense in coverage. The team still has Lewis under contract, though Brown is a free agent, and plans to re-sign safety Donovan Wilson. Adding Gilmore will give the Cowboys a veteran-laden secondary without a top-tier contract on the books.
Gilmore angled for a new Patriots contract in 2021, doing so after the Pats gave him a one-year pay bump in 2020. But after the quadriceps injury that ended his ’20 campaign early, New England stood down. Gilmore landed on the Pats’ reserve/PUP list to start that season and never played another game with New England, which traded the former first-round pick to Carolina for a late-round selection. Gilmore underwent meniscus surgery during the 2022 offseason, Rapoport adds (on Twitter), and he looked closer to his peak form with the Colts.
Few modern corners have enjoyed seasons on the level of Gilmore’s 2019. The then-30-year-old outside corner rolled to Defensive Player of the Year acclaim during a season in which he intercepted six passes and limited quarterbacks to a collective 44.1 passer rating while in coverage. Gilmore enhanced his reputation considerably in New England, earning two first-team All-Pro nods and helping the team to its sixth Super Bowl title. The Cowboys will call on him to help them negotiate this decades-long hurdle.
After losing yet another divisional-round game, the Cowboys went to work creating cap space by restructuring the deals of Dak Prescott and Zack Martin. The Prescott restructure will provide the veteran QB with more leverage down the road, but it also equipped Jerry Jones’ team with more than $30MM in additional cap space.
One season remains on Gilmore’s two-year, $20MM deal. The Cowboys will take on the former Bills draftee’s $7.96MM salary, and they will count on the 12th-year veteran displaying the form he showed as a Colt last year. The Colts will take on $2MM in dead money by making this trade. They have moved on from multiple starting corners in recent years, trading Rock Ya-Sin to the Raiders in 2022 and now unloading the player they acquired to replace him. Slot staple Kenny Moore remains as Indianapolis’ top cornerback, but the team will need replacements on the outside.